Every Corvette generation is better than the previous. But C6 has proved its worth. The car is popular due to many reasons.
Chevrolet makes sure it is included in the list of popular and prestigious supercars with sports engines. C5 Corvette was an incredible sports car, but C6 took things to the next level.
With people drooling over the new C8 and other high-performing variants, the Corvette C6 model is a real bargain at present.
But Chevrolet C6 Corvette also comes with some common problems. Before you decide to buy one, you need to consider them.
So, let’s dive in.
Major C6 Corvette Common Problems
Here we will talk about the common problems related to Corvette C6.
1. Broken Valve Spring
The valve train is the major part of all car engines, and C6 Corvette is no different. Together they play the role of converting fuel’s chemical energy to mechanical energy.
Valves are used to control the exhaust and inlet of the internal combustion engine. By exerting stress on the retaining, the valve spring helps in keeping the valve closed.
But faulty or weak valve springs in the car engine can lead to main performance and drivability issues. The problems begin after the breaking of the valve spring.
In case you notice the following signs in your C6, it might have a faulty valve spring,
- The engine starts misfiring without any reason
- Its check engine light has turned on suddenly
- The engine has begun making an inexplicable and strange noise
The problem had become so widespread that a service bulletin for it.
2. Water Pooling in the Engine Bay
Water pooling in the Engine Bay might not be a problem per se, but it caused a lot of stir on the internet.
Hence, we thought of including it in the list of major C6 Corvette common problems. It will help you decide if you should buy C6.
Some users have found a lot of water working its way into the engine bay after rinsing it off. It might not be one of the Corvette C6 problems you have to worry about.
The engine aby in C6 will not get less or more wet than the engine bay in other cars, but we wanted to point this out as the problems have been clear to many.
When you wash the car, the engine is going to get some water, but that doesn’t mean you will stop washing it.
3. Spun Rod Bearings
The spun rod bearing is another corvette c6 common problems. This is one of the worst failures as it causes the car to die down in the middle of the rod without any warnings.
A spun rod bearing tears up the big end bore in the rod, damaging the rod journal on the crankshaft and breaking the connecting rod. It’s bad news since broken road flailing inside the engine can do a lot of damage.
Usually, it happens due to a chain of unfortunate events. However, spun bearing in C6 is an inherent problem. It leads to the loss of oil pressure.
If you go through something similar, you will have no choice but to replace the Chevrolet C6 engine completely.
Even though it will be covered by warranty, it might take some time for the dealership to get the new engine.
4. Airbag Lights Issue
Chevrolet Corvette C6 owners have reported issues with airbag lights being on. In many cases, the light gets switched on for no reason, both when in motion or immobile.
It might be due to some electrical issues as it doesn’t stay on all the time. The problem might be located underneath the power seat of the driver.
But in some cases, the problem might be caused just because a connector had been unplugged because of the seat movement.
This can be a major issue for C6 owners as the airbag won’t operator as long as the red light is still on. So, it comes to the safety of the passengers.
5. Foggy Headlights
Many users have complained about the headlights fogging up, especially when driving in the rain. Not only does it look cheap but also leads to safety problems.
Cloudy headlights can reduce visibility. Thus, it becomes difficult to detect what’s ahead while driving.
When you are driving at night, it is hard to see the road and the foggy headlight is plain ugly. Acrylic headlights can oxidize after being exposed to UV light.
Headlight lenses have a clear topcoat preventing this but if the coating wears off, the headlight can become cloudy.
The C6 Corvette’s plastic clearcoat on the bumper appears to be more resistant than the plastic headlight lenses.
How to Solve the corvette c6 problems?
In case you already have a C6 Corvette and are experiencing the above-given problems, you can try out the following fixes.
1. Fixing a Broken or Faulty Valve Spring
The best solution to a faulty or broken valve is a cylinder leakage test. Perform the test on the cylinder you think has been affected.
If the test reveals no leakage, replace the valve springs on both banks. But if the valve spring test shows a leakage, more testing will be required.
2. Fixing the Engine Water Pooling Problem
Since the water pooling is not really an engine problem, you don’t have to be concerned about it. Whenever you wash the car, the engine bay is going to get some water.
But that’s okay, and you shouldn’t stop washing the car. Washing the car is crucial to keep it in good shape.
3. Fixing the Spun Rod Bearings
It’s highly likely that you will have to do deal with this problem if you have C6 Corvette. In that case, you have to replace the engine completely.
There is no option to repair it. But you might have to wait for a little while to get the new engine from the Corvette dealer.
4. Fixing the Problem of Airbag Light
Often the airbag light issues are caused by the electrical connector placed under the power seat of the driver.
Under the seat, there is an electrical clip sending and receiving code from the airbag. To solve the problem, just unclip the plug to apply dielectric grease and then plug in the terminals again.
5. Fixing the Problem of Foggy Headlight
To clear the foggy headline, the easiest fix is to wet sand it. Nevertheless, you should cover the area around the headlight using paper and tape. To wet sand the headlight, you can use 800, 1000, or 1500 grit sandpaper.
Use a lint-free cloth and a glass cleaner for cleaning the headlight, too. For the final touch, use an automatic clear.
Tips to Maintain the C6 Corvette 2021 Engine
The engine is the heart of the car. To make sure the C6 Corvette runs, the engine has to function smoothly. So, it is important that the engine is fit and functions efficiently.
Here are a few tips that will help in maintaining the C6 Corvette engine.
1. Changing Engine Oil
The least you can do to keep the engine running smoothly is to change the engine oil at regular intervals. It keeps the moving parts lubricated and thus, reduces wear and tear.
Check the engine oil level every month. In case it is low, top it up. The oil changing interval and the oil grade depend on Chevrolet’s recommendations.
It is equally important to consider the oil filter as it performs the role of filtering the junk from the oil and stopping the regulation back to the engine. So, the engine is cool and runs smoothly.
2. Look for Leaks
As you pull out of the driveway, stop to check the parking spot for fluids. In case fuel is leaking from the engine, visit a mechanic immediately to get it checked.
Checking under the hood for the smell of fuel leaking can also help. Antifreeze and engine oil are fluids you need to look for when you check for leaks.
3. Keep an Eye on the Cooling System
Sure, the C6 Corvette engine is efficient. However, it loses its efficiency during combustion in the form of heat. Alloys and metals that make the car, aren’t good friends with heat.
Hence, you need to make sure that there is sufficient air coolant in the tank. It is crucial for heat dissipation.
The ratio of distilled water and coolant should be 1:1. It is always a good idea to check the engine temp gauge during summer and shut down the engine if it is on the verge of overheating.
4. Check Spark-Plug
Another crucial thing to take care of in Corvette C6 is the spark plug installation. Sparks plugs are used by the combustion engine for igniting the fuel.
The plug produces spark, and the amount of spark it generates impacts the Corvette torque. The spark plug produces slow heat dissipation when it is under-torqued.
An over-torqued spark plug will lead to excessive heat dissipation. This affects the metal shell causing the thread to be damaged.
5. Balancing Compression Ratio
Balancing the compression ratio is crucial if you want to get the most out of the engine. As you balance the compression ratio, you should consider the gasoline octane.
So, a higher compression ratio, more spark, and lower humidity mean higher octane fuel.
Top Features of Corvette C6
The Corvette C6 is on the verge of becoming a collector car. Here are the top features of this car.
- Aluminum frame with a fixed roof
- V8 engines
- 4 or 6 speed in either manual or automatic transmission
- Magnesium engine cradle
FAQ About Corvette C6 Problems
What is the Corvette C6 Price?
When you are looking for a Corvette C6 for sale, you need to have an idea about its price.
The standard model is available at $50,000. While the price of the Corvette C6 ZR1 can go as high as $100,000.
At present, you can get a standard C6 Corvette for under $20,000. However, it depends on the mileage and condition of the car.
The Corvette C6 2021 Z06 model sells for around $30,000-$40,000. In case you want something extreme like ZR1 Trim, the price will range from $50,000 to $60,000.
“Truth be told, the C6 Corvette in the technical sphere was everything the C5 Vette was, only more polished and improved.”
What Makes Corvette a C6?
The C6 in Corvette C6 means the sixth generation. It had been in production from 2005 to 2013. It has been heavily updated from Corvette C5.
Which is Better Corvette C6 or C5?
The Corvette C6 is much leaner, lighter, and compact in comparison to C5. Also, Corvette C6 horsepower is much more than what C5 has to offer. The former also has all-new interiors.
Is Corvette C6 Reliable?
Corvette C6 is one of the most popular models since it is more fun and faster. If you maintain it properly, it can be a reliable car. Some C6 Corvettes have even racked up 200,000 miles.
Is C6 Corvette Expensive to Maintain?
Even though Corvettes is more affordable in comparison to the other European sports cars, don’t forget it is a performance automobile.
So, it has more expensive hardware under the hood. Hence, Chevrolet Corvette C6 maintenance is much more.
How Many Miles is a Corvette Going to Last?
As pr Motor and Wheels, you can expect your new Corvette to last for up to 150,000-200,000 miles. That is about 10-13 years.
Bottom Line of Corvette C6 problems
So, If you consider the Corvette c6 problems you can gain an affordable sports car with good driving properties and excellent performance.
It has been around for decades. In case the C6 Corvette is not fast enough for you, get the higher Z06 trim level.
There are plenty of models to choose from when it comes to the C6 Corvette.